Carers

There are an estimated 20,000 carers in East Lothian.

A carer is “anyone who provides care, unpaid, for a friend or family member, who due to illness, disability, or a mental health problem cannot cope without their support.” Their role ensures that cared for people can continue to remain as independent as possible, and as such, carers are often the most important person in the lives of the people who are given support.  Carers are therefore often family members, friends and neighbours first and caring emerges and evolves as part of this existing relationship.

Find out more about Carers Rights Day, and the support available to Carers across East Lothian.

Who can identify as a carer?

Carers are people of all ages, in employment, education, unemployed, retired or care full time.  They may provide considerable levels of care, or may provide care a few times a week depending on what is needed and around other more formal support in place.  Each carer will have their own specific set of circumstances.